COVID-19 preparedness synopsis in the Red Sea and South Sinai Governorates

 

Introduction:

 

The covid-19 pandemic is one of the most pressing global health problems that affect to a great extent all the life aspects. After many fluctuating waves of infections which hit many countries and lead to extra-ordinary measures, many countries are wishing to succeed in the recovery of their standard life measures, especially after the achievement of many successful steps against the virus, like the start of mass vaccination programs and after the appearance of more specific treatment like the mono-clonal antibodies, which lower the level of fear from going back to life norms. Egypt is one of few countries that adopted a balanced approach of management of COVID-19 to maintain its social, health, and economic stability and succeeded to regain many activities in a short time and to look forward to sustaining these steps in the next few months of the battle between humanity and COVID-19.

 

Current epidemiological situation:

 

Since the start of June 2021, there is a sharp decline of the COVID-19 incidence in all Egyptian governorates; also, the number of new cases in both the Red Sea and South Sinai governorates reached 0-4 cases/day, and the whole R factor for Egypt is currently 0.7 (EMRO, WHO report).

 

Hospital Capacity:

 

The number of dedicated beds for COVID-19 response in both governorates is 438 regular beds, 94 ICU beds, and 58 ventilators equipped beds

 

Ambulance fleet:

 

The number of ground ambulance cars in both governorates is 187 cars with 326 working staff, added to an air-ambulance helicopter ready for emergency evacuation to hospitals outside both governorates.

 

Testing capacity:

 

All COVID-19 tests are available at different sites starting from RNA testing using PCR, rapid antigen testing, rapid nucleic acid detection (ID NOW), IgG and IgM tests, and anti-spike tests. Adding to this, regular assessment of the viral genetic sequencing using NGS techniques allows for proper follow-up and detection of COVID-19 variants.

 

Vaccination status:

 

Egypt prioritized giving the covid-19 vaccine to all the workers in tourism in both governorates and reached a 100% vaccination level. Also, the vaccination coverage for people in South Sinai came to (70 persons/100 person) and in the Red Sea to (50 persons/ 100 person) Egypt used the WHO-approved vaccines (AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac) and started the implementation of the Sputnik V vaccine to boost the vaccination coverage; Egypt is also one of five countries that have been chosen to share in Sputnik light clinical trial.

 

*********************************************

 

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

 

********************************************